Campaigning in Bukit Bintang requires creativity, as most of its voters do not live within the constituency. ‘We have to focus on digital campaigns,’ says Tan.
KUALA LUMPUR: Unlike most other constituencies which have a higher ratio of residential areas compared to commercial, Bukit Bintang’s composition is the reverse.
Bukit Bintang is ultra-urban and a first world constituency. The area is known as the golden triangle for shopping and entertainment, with a high concentration of malls and premium office towers.
While the Bukit Bintang parliamentary constituency has almost 80,000 voters, the high density of commercial buildings in the area means that a majority of its voters no longer reside in the area.
“Most Bukit Bintang voters are living all over the Klang Valley, such as Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Cheras or Ampang. Those who stay here are mostly foreigners,” said Tan Teik Peng, MCA’s candidate for Bukit Bintang.
According to Tan, the luxury condominiums are mostly occupied by expatriates and Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) participants, while affordable housing has been rented out to migrant workers.
“Of course, we understand that locals find it more economical to live outside KL, while the city needs the support of foreign workers to keep it running,” said the financial planner who holds a Bachelor’s degree in micro electronics.
This unique dynamic means that politicians have to seek creative ways to campaign. A ceramah will not be effective in reaching out to the voters since they are not in Bukit Bintang.
“It is difficult for us to find the voters. As such, we have to focus more on digital campaigns. Social media will be the best way to connect with them,” said Tan, who is Federal Territory MCA Youth chief.
To convince this “absent” electorate, national issues take precedence over local matters, such as reversing the brain drain and ensuring Kuala Lumpur remains appealing and attractive to the young generation, Tan said.
“Bukit Bintang is very developed. How can we develop it further? How can Bukit Bintang help the youth progress in their career? These are some issues we need to consider.
“We can put forth a digitalisation policy to attract back our IT talent. Also, make Bukit Bintang a hub for e-sports – not just for gamers, but also for developers,” he said.
Tan, the son of former senator Datuk Tan Son Lee, also wants to enhance the heritage and historical elements of Kuala Lumpur.
“We must promote local culture and not just focus on commercial development.
“Petaling Street, for example, has many historical landmarks and is home to many clan associations. We can infuse the use of technology to boost tourism in KL.
“This could be as simple as placing QR codes at tourist attractions, and upon scanning, one will receive suggestions of other nearby attractions. It becomes a form of guided tour,” he said.
In GE15, Tan will be challenging DAP treasurer Fong Kui Lun (Pakatan Harapan) who has been Bukit Bintang’s MP for the past five terms.
At 76, Fong is DAP’s oldest candidate in the polls, while Tan, 42, is making his electoral debut.
“We need young blood to refresh Bukit Bintang,” said Jalan Alor Traders and Hawkers Association secretary Simon Ang.
“We are lucky Bukit Bintang is a developed constituency, and we must now take it to the next level.”
The demographics of Bukit Bintang’s electorate makes the contest more exciting, with only 25.3% of voters under the age of 40, compared to the national average of 47%.
The lowering of the minimum age to 18 for voters only saw an injection of 2.6% new voters aged between 18 and 21, while the national average is 6.3%.
In contrast, voters aged 60 and above make up 39.5% of Bukit Bintang, almost double the national average of 20.1%.
“Without a doubt, it will be tough. The ‘absent’ and ageing electorate makes this constituency very unique. Campaign strategies that work in other areas will not work here,” said Tan.
“Everyone should come back and vote,” said Kampung Baru Salak Selatan Sports and Social Association chairman Chin Yen Foo.
“The rakyat needs to ensure the country has political stability.”
